Independence Day

Following is information about closings for the Independence Day holiday. Washington County All county offices will be closed Thursday. The Board of Washington County Commissioners will not meet Tuesday. The County Commuter system will not operate Thursday. The Landfill is closed Thursday. The terminal at Hagerstown Regional Airport will operate under its normal hours. City of Hagerstown City of Hagerstown offices will be closed Thursday. The Hagerstown City Council will not meet Tuesday.

As with most Americans, I’ve always been a fan of the Fourth of July holiday. I mean, seriously, what’s not to love? Cookouts, parades, hanging out with friends and family, a day off from work for most people, followed by fireworks to cap off the night. Good stuff, right? Proud to be American and all that God Bless the USA happiness. As I got older, certain parts of that mattered more than others: Sharing those cookouts with special loved ones who are no longer here, enjoying a day off with my daughter and sharing a blanket with a special someone as the rockets’ red glare exploded high above our heads.

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified by Congress on Dec. 15, 1791. The amendments limit the power of the federal government and provide protection for such freedoms as free speech, religion and the right to bear arms. In observance of Independence Day, The Herald-Mail asked local residents to share their feelings on the meaning and importance of the amendments. Here are their responses, which were compiled by Herald-Mail reporter Maegan Clearwood.

On Friday, July 4, The Herald-Mail will not publish a newspaper, so that our employees can enjoy the Independence Day holiday with their families. As our readers watch one of the many local fireworks displays or eat a hot dog fresh off the grill, we urge them to reflect on the deeper meaning of this holiday. More than 200 years ago, a group of farmers, tradespeople and craftsmen decided that getting free of the laws, rules and the lack of political representation mandated by an imperial power was a cause worth fighting and dying for. It is tough enough for an established country to fight a war; America had to do it with none of the powers governments use to raise money and enforce discipline during wartime.

The town of Boonsboro's annual Independence Day celebration got off to a brisk start Friday with the promise of fireworks later in the night. The celebration originally was scheduled for Wednesday, but was postponed because of the possibility of inclement weather. By 6 p.m., residents were jockeying for the best available viewing position for the fireworks display at Shafer Memorial Park, while many others lined up to get a taste of the food that was being sold, including hot dogs, french fries and ice cream.

Maybe it's because we're a naturally optimistic people, or maybe it's just because we love a good party, but Americans were celebrating July 4 with parades and fireworks a full decade before anyone knew whether or not the War of Independence would be won. The Founders all but demanded it. Writing to his wife, Abigail, John Adams listed his recipe for a proper Second of July celebration, including, but not limited to parades, shows, games, sports,...

Antietam National Battlefield is a beautiful place - perhaps at its loveliest in early summer. On a clear day, the South County landscape offers views of gently rolling fields of green grass, young corn and golden grain bordered in the distance by bluish mountains and wide open sky. On Saturday, July 6, at 7:30 p.m., the Maryland Symphony Orchestra will begin its 32nd season with the 28th annual Salute to Independence at Antietam National Battlefield....

The town of Boonsboro's annual Independence Day celebration got off to a brisk start Friday with the promise of fireworks later in the night. The celebration originally was scheduled for Wednesday, but was postponed because of the possibility of inclement weather. By 6 p.m., residents were jockeying for the best available viewing position for the fireworks display at Shafer Memorial Park, while many others lined up to get a taste of the food that was being sold, including hot dogs, french fries and ice cream.

Independence Day was born of the specific idea that a free people must be governed by rules agreed to by many, not the whims of a few. This is spelled out clearly in the Declaration of Independence. It's not subject to interpretation, nor is it an idea that has been antiquated by time. Unlike the Constitution or congressional law, it does not have to be parsed by an elite group in black robes. It is the most simple, most fundamental tenant of the United States of America. It was the mantra of the revolutionaries who fought for, and died for, this nation.

Antietam National Battlefield is a beautiful place - perhaps at its loveliest in early summer. On a clear day, the South County landscape offers views of gently rolling fields of green grass, young corn and golden grain bordered in the distance by bluish mountains and wide open sky. On Saturday, July 6, at 7:30 p.m., the Maryland Symphony Orchestra will begin its 32nd season with the 28th annual Salute to Independence at Antietam National Battlefield....

Fireworks displays scheduled in Tri-State area on and around the Independence Day holiday: Wednesday, July 3 Independence Eve at Plumb Grove Mansion Music, games, food and fireworks. 5 to 9:30 p.m. Plumb Grove, 12654 Broadfording Road, Clear Spring. Call 301-842-1393 or 301-842-2342. Thursday, July 4 Fourth in the Park Family activities, food, concert by Williamsport Community Band as well as U.S. Navy Country Current and fireworks.

Following is information about closings for the Independence Day holiday. Washington County All county offices will be closed Thursday. The Board of Washington County Commissioners will not meet Tuesday. The County Commuter system will not operate Thursday. The Landfill is closed Thursday. The terminal at Hagerstown Regional Airport will operate under its normal hours. City of Hagerstown City of Hagerstown offices will be closed Thursday. The Hagerstown City Council will not meet Tuesday.

Wednesday is the Fourth of July, our nation's 236th birthday. July Fourth or Independence Day has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. In June, 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 4, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson.

At some point over the course of the next week, most families will experience a fireworks display. After all, what would the Fourth of July be without fanfare and moments to reflect on our freedom? During the course of the picnicking and sky gazing, opportunities abound for family discussions on the origins of our great nation. What should you discuss with your children and grandchildren? That's a good question, and it is one best answered with the origins of Independence Day, or the Fourth of July.

As with most Americans, I’ve always been a fan of the Fourth of July holiday. I mean, seriously, what’s not to love? Cookouts, parades, hanging out with friends and family, a day off from work for most people, followed by fireworks to cap off the night. Good stuff, right? Proud to be American and all that God Bless the USA happiness. As I got older, certain parts of that mattered more than others: Sharing those cookouts with special loved ones who are no longer here, enjoying a day off with my daughter and sharing a blanket with a special someone as the rockets’ red glare exploded high above our heads.